Roberto De Zerbi has been chasing a Tottenham transfer target from as far back as his Sassuolo days, with the Lilywhites now exploring a deal for the player.

Spurs' pursuit of Sandro Tonali is quickly becoming one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.

The north London club, after sealing a £52m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke, are poised to open negotiations after identifying the Newcastle midfielder as a priority target for De Zerbi (Fabrizio Romano).

Recent reports have suggested Spurs are prepared to push hard for the Italy international, and there have even been claims that Tottenham are willing to explore a deal worth more than £100 million if it gives them a realistic chance of landing their man.

That level of commitment highlights just how highly Tonali is rated inside the club, and it also reflects the influence De Zerbi is having on Tottenham's transfer strategy.

The Italian has already overseen the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and van Hecke as he begins reshaping the squad, and Tonali could well be next in line despite competition from Arsenal and Man City.

Now, it appears De Zerbi wants a midfielder capable of becoming the centrepiece of his project.

While many supporters may view this as a recent development, De Zerbi's admiration for the Newcastle star actually stretches back much further.

According to a report from the BBC, the Tottenham boss identified Tonali as a target during his earlier coaching years in Italy.

De Zerbi wanted Tonali at Sassuolo as Tottenham explore Newcastle deal

Long before either man reached the Premier League, De Zerbi had already recognised the midfielder's talent.

The report explains that his appreciation dates back to Tonali's emergence as one of Italian football's brightest young prospects, and even during De Zerbi's time at Sassuolo, he is said to have viewed Tonali as a player capable of becoming a star.

That long-standing admiration helps to explain why Tottenham are now investing so much effort into the pursuit as De Zerbi spearheads the north London project.

This is not simply a case of a manager reacting to a player's latest season. Instead, it appears to be the continuation of a relationship built on years of respect from afar.

For De Zerbi, Tonali represents many of the qualities he values most in a midfielder.

The Newcastle star is technically gifted, comfortable under pressure and capable of controlling the tempo of a match, and also brings intensity and defensive discipline, making him one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League at his best.

Paul Scholes even claimed late last year that the 'brilliant' Tonali can be a 'better' midfielder than Arsenal star Declan Rice.

Of course, Newcastle are the biggest obstacle to any move for him, with Tonali believed to be personally keen on a switch to N17.

Newcastle know exactly how valuable he is with the rumoured £100m price tag, but as things stand, Spurs appear undeterred.